State Tourism Department Offers Chance to Stay Cool This Summer with Statewide Ice Cream Road Trip
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on August 02, 2024
Editor's Note: The follow story is courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Tourism, and includes a few well known stops here in North Central West Virginia. These are all locally owned businesses and we think there are more than one in Harrison County worthy of the list as well. However, if you are on the road and have a sweet tooth, take a visit to one of these sweet treat locations.
When it’s summer in West Virginia, nothing cools you off quite like a frozen treat from a local ice cream shop. Small mountain towns and off-the-grid locations boast some of Almost Heaven’s best flavors.
This summer, let the country roads lead you to an ice cream-filled adventure at these local favorite stops across the Mountain State.
Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream
Charleston
A staple in the Village District of Charleston since 1977, Ellen’s Ice Cream knows how to sweeten up your trip to the Metro Valley. Ellen’s is home to award-winning ice cream that will have you telling all of your friends about it. Crowd-pleasers like espresso Oreo, raspberry
chocolate chip and classic mint chocolate chip delight are available year-round, while more unique flavors like pumpkin and peach can be enjoyed seasonally.
chocolate chip and classic mint chocolate chip delight are available year-round, while more unique flavors like pumpkin and peach can be enjoyed seasonally.
Creamy Creations
Harpers Ferry
The Eastern Panhandle is full of many local gems, but Creamy Creations in Harpers Ferry is a must-visit to cool off. Just a short walk from historic Harpers Ferry landmarks like John Brown’s Fort and Harpers Ferry General Store, this ice cream shop has hand-dipped ice cream, malts, banana pudding ice cream, banana splits, specialty milkshakes, gelatos, shaved ice and even peach ice cream.
Hanging Rocks Ice Cream
Romney
Hanging Rocks Ice Cream is located right outside of the town of Romney in the middle of a multigenerational farm. You’ll be greeted by a plethora of flavors, so finding your favorite one may be easier said than done. Satisfy your sweet tooth with hand-dipped cones, real fruit shakes, snow cones, sundaes and even ice cream pies. The scenery around you makes for a perfect backdrop to play a family game of jumbo checkers or a corn hole match under the willow tree. This is a must-visit when you’re driving through the scenic Potomac Highlands.
The Poky Dot
Fairmont
You may have heard the locals near Fairmont recommend The Poky Dot without any hesitation, and they are definitely right to do so. This quirky 1950s-themed diner has the perfect retro atmosphere, and it’s home to Mountaineer Country’s top-tier, nine-pound banana split! Other special desserts include coconut creme pie, ice cream floats, old-fashioned milkshakes, sundaes, specialty shakes, cheesecake and just about everything else you can think of.
Dairy Creme Corner
Fairmont
Dairy Creme Corner has been topping cones off since 1987 and continues to thrive in this charming mountain town. Situated on 
Homewood Avenue just off Grafton Road, this shop is best known for serving toppling high cones and generous portions. The Avalanche is a local favorite here, which consists of creamy ice cream combined with your choice of over 40 mix-ins. If you want a snack for the road, choose from their delicious hoagies, hotdogs, salads, funnel cakes and much more.
Homewood Avenue just off Grafton Road, this shop is best known for serving toppling high cones and generous portions. The Avalanche is a local favorite here, which consists of creamy ice cream combined with your choice of over 40 mix-ins. If you want a snack for the road, choose from their delicious hoagies, hotdogs, salads, funnel cakes and much more.
Austin’s Homemade Ice Cream
Huntington and Ceredo
With locations in Huntington and Ceredo, Austin’s Homemade Ice Cream is a staple in the Metro Valley. Ice cream here is made from all-natural flavors and from scratch recipes. Try some adventurous ice cream flavors like grape pineapple and chocolate brownie. If you’re a simple ice cream lover, you must try their national award-winning vanilla ice cream! This shop consistently offers exciting specials and events, so be sure to keep an eye on the calendar for summer specials.
Annie’s Coffee and Creamery
Morgantown
In the mood for some ice cream along with specialty coffee, tea or even freshly baked goods? Annie’s Coffee and Creamery in Morgantown makes that all possible. This cozy shop offers a variety of hand-dipped ice cream flavors, sundaes, and your very own soft serve “Annie-lanche.” Also, choose from a variety of sweet bites like muffins, scones, cinnamon twist, fudge brownies and cake pops.
What’s the Scoop
Point Pleasant
If you’d like to enjoy some over-the-top ice cream experience, What’s the Scoop near the Mothman Museum is the place for you. This ice cream shop has a sizable menu that’s sure to please every ice cream lover’s cravings, but they are most famous for their creatively themed and photogenic milkshakes. For the ultimate cryptids and cream experience, try their “Mothman” milkshake or the “Bigfoot,” which features caramel ice cream topped with peanuts, pretzels and two full Snickers candy bars. Point Pleasant is full of surprises that you’ll remember for years to come!
Editor's Note: Top photo is from Poky Dot, while the bottom image is from Dairy Creme Corner. Both photos from their respective Facebook pages.
